Panasonic, a major developer and contributor to the success of the Blu-ray Disc format, announced the availability and pricing for the world’s first portable Blu-ray player -the Panasonic DMP-B15. Designed to provide the ultimate High Definition Blu-ray experience for those on the go, the B15 features a high quality 8.9-inch WSVGA LCD screen and includes Panasonic’s VIERA CAST™ internet accessibility and BD Live functionality, as well as a SD Memory Card slot. The B15 will be available in June and will have an SRP of $799.95.

The DMP-B15 includes all the technology found in its stand-alone counterparts, the DMP-BD60, DMP-BD80 and the VHS-Blu-ray dual player DMP-BD70V. Image quality is of the highest level, thanks to PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus technology developed in collaboration with Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory.

The PHL Reference Chroma Processor Plus is a high quality image-processing technology that precisely processes each pixel of the Blu-ray Disc™ video signal in the vertical direction. It reproduces color data with twice the accuracy of conventional systems, resulting in faithful and sharp colors.

“As a pioneer in the development of DVD and Blu-ray expertise, Panasonic has always been in the forefront in developing cutting-edge, consumer friendly technology. Panasonic was the first company to bring to market a portable DVD player and stand- alone Blu-ray players to feature Bonus View and BD Live, and with the B15 we continue that tradition of being first to market with unique technology,” said Richard Simone, Director, Entertainment Group, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The B15 is a unique and versatile High Definition player that gives the consumer the ultimate entertainment experience, whether traveling or in the home as either an additional Blu-ray player or the primary source for 1080p viewing. Because it also features the VIERA CAST functionality, the B15 can transform any TV into an IPTV with the capability to access select web sites.  At a time when many families own multiple TVs, the B15 provides a number of entertainment options, giving them the ability to enjoy HD video in any room where there is a HDTV.”

Like Panasonic’s three stand-alone Blu-ray players, the DMP-B15 includes VIERA CAST functionality. This distinctive application gives the consumer access to select web sites, including Amazon Video-on-Demand, a streaming video service that gives the consumer access to more than 40,000 titles; YouTube™; Google Picasa Web Album; Bloomberg and a weather channel. The Amazon VOD will be available in late June. VIERA CAST does not require an external set-top box, nor is there a fee for the service. And, as additional web sites are added to the service, they will automatically appear. Viera Cast and BD-Live features require an internet connection via the LAN port.

Ease of use is an important element in Panasonic’s products and the DMP-B15, with a 2.5 hour rechargeable battery, is designed with that in mind. In addition to its use as a portable player, the consumer can connect it to an HDTV via HDMI cable, and use it as a stand-alone Blu-ray Disc player. The player can also be connected to an HD-Audio compatible AV receiver with a home theater speaker system enabling the consumer to enjoy movies with outstanding surround sound. To accommodate the traveler, the DMP-B15 offers an optional headrest mounting bracket for in-car use.  Like all Panasonic Blu-ray players, the B15 features an SD Memory Card slot that allows the consumer to view and share digital photos, as well as HD video recorded on a SD card.